Radiation detecting device

ABSTRACT

A radiation detecting device includes a radiation detector and a supporter. The radiation detector includes a substrate that has flexibility and a semiconductor element formed on an imaging surface of the substrate. The supporter is formed of foam and supports the radiation detector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-073196filed on Apr. 16, 2020 is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND Technological Field

The present disclosure relates to a radiation detecting device.

Description of Related Art

There is known a radiation detecting device that includes a substrateand semiconductor elements formed on the imaging surface of thesubstrate.

The substrate of the known radiation detecting device is mainly made ofglass. In imaging a subject, the radiation detecting device may beplaced under the subject lying on the bed, and the subject may beirradiated from above. The radiation detecting device may bend owing tothe weight of the subject, and the substrate in the radiation detectingdevice may be broken.

The substrate may also be broken when the radiation detecting devicereceives an impact by being hit or dropped accidentally while beingcarried.

To make the substrate more resistant to damage when the radiationdetecting device is pressed or hit, structures to support the substratehave been developed.

For example, JP2019-196944A discloses a radiation imaging apparatus thatincludes a sensor panel, a supporter that supports the sensor panel, anda casing that houses the sensor panel and the supporter. The supporterhas a vacant space and supports the lower surface of the sensor panelwithout a gap in the thickness direction and in the surface direction.

Further, according to a radiation imaging apparatus disclosed inJP2015-200606A, a housing of the radiation imaging apparatus has asupporting surface to support a radiation detection panel. Thesupporting surface is included in an inner surface of the bottom of thehousing on a side of the radiation detection panel. On a side of thebottom opposite the side of the radiation detection panel, a concaveportion is formed. The concave portion is defined by part of the outersurface of the bottom of the housing, and an electrical component isarranged in the concave portion.

SUMMARY

According to the known radiation detecting device disclosed inJP2019-196944A and JP2015-200606A, however, the supporter needs to havea certain degree of rigidity or greater to support and protect the glasssubstrate against loads and impacts.

To ensure the rigidity of the supporter, the supporter needs to bethick, or at least part of the supporter (e.g., surface layer part)needs to be made of a material having a high degree of rigidity, such asfiber reinforced resin or metal.

Ensuring the rigidity of the supporter as described above increases theweight of the supporter, thereby increasing the weight of the radiationdetection device.

The substrate made of glass, which is a relatively heavy material, makesthe radiation detecting device further heavier.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above issues.Objects of the present disclosure include reducing the weight of aradiation detecting device that includes a substrate and semiconductorelements formed on the surface of the substrate while keeping thesubstrate resistant against loads and impacts.

To achieve at least one of the abovementioned objects, according to anaspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a radiationdetecting device, including: a radiation detector that includes aflexible substrate and a semiconductor element formed on an imagingsurface of the substrate; and a supporter that is formed of foam andthat supports the radiation detector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The advantages and features provided by one or more embodiments of theinvention will become more fully understood from the detaileddescription given hereinbelow and the appended drawings which are givenby way of illustration only, and thus are not intended as a definitionof the limits of the present invention, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a radiation detecting device accordingto first and second embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an A-A cross-sectional view of the radiation detecting devicein FIG. 1 in the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of part of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of part of the radiation detecting device(light-electricity converter) in FIG. 1 as an example;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are lateral views of a supporter of the radiationdetecting device in FIG. 1 as an example;

FIG. 6 is a lateral view of the radiation detecting device in FIG. 1 inthe production process;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the radiation detecting device in FIG. 1in the production process;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an attaching member as an example;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the attaching member in FIG. 8Afixed to the supporter;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the attaching member as an example;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the attaching member in FIG. 9Afixed to the supporter;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the attaching member as an example;

FIGS. 10B to 10D are cross-sectional views of the attaching member inFIG. 10A fixed to the supporter;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the attaching member as an example; and

FIG. 12 is an A-A cross-sectional view of the radiation detecting devicein FIG. 1 in the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, one or more embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to the drawings. However, the present inventionis not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

First Embodiment

A first embodiment of the present invention is described.

A schematic configuration of a radiation detecting device in thisembodiment (hereinafter called a detecting device 100) is described.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the detecting device 100. FIG. 2 is anA-A cross-sectional view of the detecting device 100. FIG. 3 is across-sectional view of part of FIG. 2 (part shown in III in FIG. 2 ).FIG. 4 is a plan view of part of the detecting device 100(light-electricity converter). FIG. 5 is a lateral view of a supporter 4included in the detecting device 100 as an example. FIG. 6 is a lateralview of the detecting device 100 in the production process. FIG. 7 is aperspective view of the detecting device 100 in the production process.FIGS. 8A, 9A, 10A are perspective views of examples of an attachingmember. FIGS. 8B, 9B, 10B, 10C, 10D are cross-sectional views of therespective attaching members in FIGS. 8A, 9A, 10A fixed to thesupporter. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example of the attachingmember.

Reference numerals in parentheses in the figures are for the secondembodiment to be described later.

The detecting device 100 is for generating a radiographic image inresponse to receiving radiation.

The detecting device 100 includes, for example, a casing 110 and aninternal module 120, as shown in FIG. 1 .

In this embodiment, the detecting device 100 further includes variousswitches S, such as a power supply switch and control switch, and anindicator I.

[1. Casing]

The casing 110 houses the internal module 120.

The casing 110 includes a box body 1 and a lid body 2, as shown in FIG.2 .

The casing 110 in this embodiment has a shape of a rectangular panel.

[1-1. Box Body]

The box body 1 in this embodiment includes a front part 11 and a lateralpart 12 that are formed integrally.

The front part 11 and the lateral part 12 may be different members.

(1-1-1. Front Part)

The front part 11 faces an imaging surface 312 g included in theinternal module 120, which is described later, and spreads in parallelwith the imaging surface 312 g.

The outer surface of the front part 11 is a radiation entrance surface11 a of the detecting device 100 (the front surface of the casing 110).

The front part 11 in this embodiment is formed to be a rectangularplate.

On the radiation entrance surface 11 a in this embodiment, an effectiveimage region of a sensor panel 31 is shown with a frame (notillustrated). The effective image region is a region in whichsemiconductor elements 312 b are arranged.

The front part 11 is made of a material that allows radiation to passthrough.

The casing 110 in this embodiment is made of carbon fiber reinforcedplastic/resin (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced plastic/resin (GFRP), lightmetal, or light metal-containing alloy.

The casing 110 may be made of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic(CFRTP) resin.

When the material of the casing 110 is CFRP, CFRTP, or GFRP, the casing110 may be formed of a sheet molding compound (SMC). The SMC is amaterial that includes fibers shorter than fibers of a prepreg.

Examples of the light metal include aluminum and magnesium that have arelatively small density.

Using the above-described materials can reduce the weight of the casing110 while keeping the rigidity of the casing 110.

The CFRP in particular has a high radiation transmissivity and allowsradiation that has passed through a subject to reach the internal module120 without decrease. Making the casing 110 of CFRP therefore improvesthe image quality of the radiographic image than making the casing 110of other materials.

(1-1-2. Lateral Part)

The lateral part 12 extends from the edge portions of the front part 11towards a rear part 21 in a direction orthogonal to the radiationentrance surface 11 a.

The outer surface of the lateral part 12 is the lateral surface of thedetecting device 100 (casing 110).

[1-2. Lid Body]

The lid body 2 includes the rear part 21.

In this embodiment, the whole lid body 2 constitutes the rear part 21.

The rear part 21 faces the front part 11 of the box body 1 with theinternal module 120 inbetween and spreads in parallel with the frontpart 11.

The outer surface of the rear part 21 is the rear surface of thedetecting device 100 (casing 110).

The rear part 21 in this embodiment is formed to have substantially thesame rectangle shape as the front part 11.

The rear part 21 in this embodiment is made of CFRP, GFRP, light metal,or light metal-containing alloy.

The material of the rear part 21 may be the same as or different fromthe material of the box body 1.

The lid body 2 (rear part 21) abuts the lateral part 12 of the box body1 and is attached to the lateral part 12.

The lateral part 12 thus connects the front part 11 and the rear part21.

In this embodiment, the lid body 2 is screwed on the box body 1.

In repairing or doing maintenance of the detecting device 100, the rearpart 21 can be separated from the front part 11 and the lateral part 12by loosening and removing screws. A person who does maintenance of thedetecting device 100 can therefore easily access the internal module120, which is housed in the front part 11 and the lateral part 12.

To make the casing 110 watertight, the box body 1 and the lid body 2 maybe fixed to each other with screws with a gasket inbetween or may beadhered to each other. The watertight casing 110 can prevent foam fromabsorbing water and affecting the sensor panel and electricalcomponents.

[1-3. Others]

The front part 11 and the lateral part 12 of the casing 110 (box body 1)are formed integrally in FIG. 1 . Instead, the lateral part 12 and therear part 21 of the casing 110 may be formed integrally. Further, thefront part 11, the lateral part 12, and the rear part 21 may bedifferent members.

Both the front part 11 and the rear part 21 may include a lateral part.

Further, although the casing 110 in FIG. 1 includes the box body 1 andthe lid body 2, the casing 110 may include a tubular body and a lidbody. The tubular body has the front part 11, the rear part 21, and apair of lateral parts 12 that connect the edges of the front part 11 andthe edges of the rear part 21. The lid body covers the opening of thetubular body.

The casing 110 may have recess portions at the edge portions of the rearpart 21. A person carrying the detecting device 100 can hook his/herfingers on the recess portions to hold the detecting device 100 moresecurely, so that the person is less likely to drop the detecting device100.

The casing 110 may be antimicrobial-treated on the entire surface, or anantimicrobial material may be kneaded in the material of the casing 110.

Further, the casing 110 may be provided with protecting members on thecorners (at least the four corners of the front part 11 or the fourcorners of the rear part 21).

The material of the protecting members may be metal or elastic body,such as resin, rubber, or elastomer because the detecting device 100 inthis embodiment is light and receives a smaller impact when being hit.

At least one of the protecting members may have a different color and/orform from the color and/or form of the other protecting members. Theprotecting member having a different color and/or form allows a user toeasily recognize the orientation of the detecting device 100.

[2. Internal Module]

The Internal module 120 is fixed to at least one of the inner surface ofthe front part 11, the inner surface of the rear part 21, and the innersurface of the lateral part 12 of the casing 110.

In this embodiment, the internal module 120 is fixed to the innersurface of the front part 11, as shown in FIG. 2 .

The internal module 120 may be fixed to the casing 110 by gluing with aglue, adhesion with an adhesive tape, fitting a recess part to aprojecting part formed on inner surfaces, or engaging with engagingparts formed on inner surfaces.

Fixing the internal module 120 can prevent the internal module 120 frommoving when the detecting device 100 receives an impact in a directionsubstantially orthogonal to the lateral surface of the detecting device100.

The internal module 120 may be fixed to the inner surface of the rearpart 21 or the inner surface of the lateral part 12.

The internal module 120 may be fixed to the inner surfaces of the frontpart 11 and the rear part 21, or the inner surfaces of the front part 11and the lateral part 12, or the inner surfaces of the lateral part 12and the rear part 21.

The internal module 120 may be fixed to the inner surfaces of the frontpart 11, the lateral part 12, and the rear part 21.

The internal module 120 in this embodiment is separate from the innersurface of the lateral part 12 by a distance d1. That is, a gap havingthe width of d1 or greater is present between the internal module 120and the lateral part 12.

The gap can prevent the internal module 120 from bumping into thelateral part 12 of the detecting device 100 and being broken when thedetecting device 100 receives an impact in a direction substantiallyorthogonal to the lateral surface of the detecting device 100.

The internal module 120 includes a radiation detector 3 and a supporter4.

The internal module 120 in this embodiment further includes anelectrical component 5.

[2-1. Radiation Detector]

The radiation detector 3 is placed between the front part 11 of thecasing 110 and the supporter 4.

In this embodiment, the radiation detector 3 is placed between the frontpart 11 of the casing 110 and the supporter 4 via adhesive layers 6.

The radiation detector 3 includes the sensor panel 31, as shown in FIG.3 .

The radiation detector 3 in this embodiment further includes a radiationshielding layer 32, an electromagnetic-field shielding layer 33, and acushioning material 34.

(2-1-1. Sensor Panel)

The sensor panel 31 in this embodiment is placed between the radiationshielding layer 32 and the electromagnetic-field shielding layer 33.

The sensor panel 31 includes a wavelength converter 311 and alight-electricity converter 312.

The wavelength converter 311 is for converting radiation into visiblelights or other lights.

The wavelength converter 311 in this embodiment is placed between theelectromagnetic-field shielding layer 33 and the light-electricityconverter 312.

The wavelength converter 311 in this embodiment spreads in parallel withthe radiation entrance surface 11 a of the casing 110.

The wavelength converter 311 in this embodiment includes a supportinglayer and a phosphor layer, which are not illustrated.

The supporting layer is made of flexible material in a film shape (thinplate).

Examples of the flexible material include polyethylene naphthalate,polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, polyimide, polyamide,polyetherimide, aramid, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, fluororesin,polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and composite material that is a mixtureof at least two materials among the above materials.

Polyimide, polyamide, polyetherimide, PTFE, or composite material ofthese materials are particularly preferable among the above materialsfor improving heat resistance.

The supporting layer in this embodiment is formed to be rectangular.

The phosphor layer is formed of a phosphor on the surface of thesupporting layer.

The phosphor is a substance that glows as a result of excitation ofatoms when being irradiated with ionizing radiation, such as α-rays,γ-rays, and X-rays. The phosphor converts radiation into ultravioletrays or visible lights.

As the phosphor, column crystals of cesium iodide (CsI) can be used, forexample.

The phosphor layer in this embodiment is formed on the whole surface ofthe supporting layer that faces the light-electricity converter 312.

That is, the wavelength converter 311 is formed to be rectangular.

The thickness of the phosphor layer in this embodiment is set such thatthe phosphor layer can bend (deform elastically) when the supportinglayer bends.

The wavelength converter 311 formed as described above is a flexibleplate. When the wavelength converter 311 is irradiated, the irradiatedregion glows at an intensity corresponding to the dose of receivedradiation.

The light-electricity converter 312 is for converting light intoelectric signals.

The light-electricity converter 312 in this embodiment is placed betweenthe wavelength converter 311 and the radiation shielding layer 32.

The light-electricity converter 312 in this embodiment is placed so asto spread in parallel with the wavelength converter 311.

The light-electricity converter 312 is adhered to the wavelengthconverter 311.

The light-electricity converter 312 includes a substrate 312 a andmultiple semiconductor elements 312 b, as shown in FIG. 4 .

The light-electricity converter 312 in this embodiment includes scanninglines 312 c, signal lines 312 d, switch elements 312 e, and bias lines312 f.

The substrate 312 a is made of a flexible material in a film shape (thinplate).

The substrate 312 a in this embodiment has substantially the samerectangular shape as the wavelength converter 311 when viewed from thefront.

The substrate 312 a in this embodiment is made of the same material asthe supporting layer of the wavelength converter 311.

More specifically, the substrate 312 a in this embodiment hasflexibility, and the thermal expansion coefficient and the thermalcontraction coefficient of the substrate 312 a are the same as thethermal expansion coefficient and the thermal contraction coefficient ofthe supporting layer.

Because the light-electricity converter 312 and the wavelength converter311 together expand with heat, the laminate of the light-electricityconverter 312 and the wavelength converter 311 is less likely to warp.As a result, a glowing part of the wavelength converter 311 is lesslikely to shift from the position of the semiconductor element 312 bthat faces the glowing part. This can prevent decrease in quality ofradiographic images.

The substrate 312 a may be made of material that is different from thematerial of the supporting layer and that has the same thermal expansioncoefficient and thermal contraction coefficient as those of thesupporting layer.

The semiconductor elements 312 b generate electric charges correspondingto the intensity of received lights.

The semiconductor elements 312 b are arranged two-dimensionally on thesurface of the substrate 312 a. More specifically, the semiconductorelements 312 b are arranged in a matrix on the surface of the substrate312 a that abuts (that is adhered to) the wavelength converter 311.

The semiconductor elements 312 b in this embodiment are arranged in amatrix at the central part of the imaging surface 312 g. Morespecifically, on the surface of the substrate 312 a, the scanning lines312 c (not illustrated) are formed so as to extend in parallel with eachother at regular intervals, and the signal lines 312 d (not illustrated)are formed at regular intervals so as to orthogonally cross the scanninglines 312 c. The semiconductor elements 312 b are arranged in therespective rectangular regions defined by the scanning lines 312 c andthe signal lines 312 d. The rectangular regions correspond to pixels ina radiographic image.

Each of the rectangular regions also includes a switch element 312 e.The switch element 312 e consists of a thin film transistor (TFT), forexample. The gate of the switch element 312 e is connected to thescanning line 312 c. The source of the switch element 312 e is connectedto the signal line 312 d. The drain of the switch element 312 e isconnected to the semiconductor element 312 b.

The surface of the substrate 312 a on which the semiconductor elements312 b are formed is hereinafter called an imaging surface 312 g.

The light-electricity converter 312 formed as described above isflexible and placed such that the imaging surface 312 g, on which thesemiconductor elements 312 b are formed, faces the wavelength converter311.

(2-1-2. Radiation Shielding Layer)

The radiation shielding layer 32 is for preventing scattered radiationfrom reaching the electric circuits 51.

The radiation shielding layer 32 in this embodiment is placed betweenthe sensor panel 31 (light-electricity converter 312) and theelectromagnetic-field shielding layer 33, as shown in FIG. 3 .

The radiation shielding layer 32 in this embodiment fixes the sensorpanel 31 with an attaching part (not illustrated).

(2-1-3. Electromagnetic-Field Shielding Layer 33)

The electromagnetic-field shielding layer 33 is for shielding noises.

The electromagnetic-field shielding layer 33 is provided at a side wherethe imaging surface 312 g of the radiation detector 3 is provided(imaging surface-side) and/or the opposite side from the imagingsurface-side.

In this embodiment, the electromagnetic-field shielding layer 33 isprovided at the imaging surface-side and the opposite side from theimaging surface-side.

The electromagnetic-field shielding layer 33 provided at the oppositeside from the imaging surface-side may be adhered to the supporter 4.

The electromagnetic-field shielding layer 33 is a laminate. Part of theelectromagnetic-field shielding layer 33 includes a conductive material.

The electromagnetic-field shielding layer 33 in this embodiment may be aresin film on which a metal layer is formed, or a film made of atransparent conductive material, such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

The metal may be aluminum or copper, for example.

Methods of forming the metal layer include pasting metal foils anddepositing metal.

As the electromagnetic-field shielding layer 33, a film, such as theAL-PET (registered trademark of Panac Co., Ltd.) is suitable.

At least one layer of the electromagnetic-field shielding layers 33 isprovided at one side.

The electromagnetic-field shielding layer 33 provided at the imagingsurface-side can shield external noises entering from the front surfaceside.

The electromagnetic-field shielding layer 33 provided at the oppositeside from the imaging surface-side can shield noises generated by theelectric circuits 51.

The electromagnetic-field shielding layer 33 may be connected to theground (GRD), for example. Connecting the electromagnetic-fieldshielding layer 33 to the ground keeps the electric potentials of theelectromagnetic-field shielding layer 33 constant, thereby furtherimproving the noise-shielding effect.

In the case, it is preferable to interpose a metal (e.g., nickel) theionization tendency of which is not so different from the ionizationtendency of aluminum or copper.

Such a metal may be interposed as a coating of an intermediate member oras a conductive filament in a conductive tape, for example.

When metals the ionization tendencies of which are largely different(e.g., aluminum and copper) come into contact, electrolytic corrosionmay occur. Using metals the ionization tendencies of which are not sodifferent can prevent electrolytic corrosion.

(2-1-4. Cushioning Material)

The cushioning material 34 is for absorbing external loads and impacts.

The cushioning material 34 in this embodiment is placed between thefront part 11 of the casing 110 and the electromagnetic-field shieldinglayer 33. The cushioning material 34 can therefore prevent externalloads and impacts coming from the side of the front part 11 fromreaching the sensor panel 31.

[2-2. Supporter]

The Supporter 4 is for supporting the radiation detector 3.

“Supporting” includes supporting the radiation detector 3 against loadcoming from the side of the front part 11 and supporting the radiationdetector 3 placed on the supporter 4.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the supporter 4 is provided between the radiationdetector 3 and the rear part 21 to disperse external loads on the casing110. The supporter 4 can therefore prevent the radiation detector 3(sensor panel 31) from bending.

The supporter 4 is formed of foam.

Examples of the foam include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene,modified-polyphenyleneether, polyurethane, acrylic, epoxy, and compositematerial of at least two materials among these resins.

Soft resin typically has a lower degree of rigidity than hard resin. Onthe other hand, it is known that the foam made of soft resin has ahigher degree of rigidity when the expansion ratio of the foam is lower.The foam can have a desired degree of rigidity by adjusting theexpansion ratio of the foam in production process.

It is preferable that the expansion ratio be equal to or less than 30times. The supporter 4 can therefore keep desired rigidity without usinga material the degree of rigidity of which is higher than the degree ofrigidity of foam (e.g., fiber reinforced resin or metal) for part of thesupporter 4 (e.g., surface layer part). Further, the supporter 4 can belight.

The supporter 4 may be made of resin the thermal expansion coefficientof which is the same as the thermal expansion coefficient of the sensorpanel 31, or may be made of resin the thermal expansion coefficient ofwhich is different from the thermal expansion coefficient of the sensorpanel 31 by a certain degree or less.

Further, the supporter 4 may have elasticity.

The sensor panel 31 has a greater thermal expansion coefficient than aknown sensor panel that includes a glass substrate. According to theabove, when the sensor panel 31 expands, the supporter 4 also expands asmuch as the sensor panel 31 or deforms elastically to absorb theexpansion of the sensor panel 31. This can prevent wrinkles on thesensor panel 31 that occur when only the sensor panel 31 expands.

The supporter 4 includes a first part 4 a and a second part 4 b.

The first part 4 a is placed without a gap along the opposite surface ofthe light-electricity converter 312 of the sensor panel 31 from theimaging surface 312 g. More specifically, the first part 4 a is placedalong the surface of the electromagnetic-field shielding layer 33 or thesurface of the adhesive layer 6 provided at the opposite side from theimaging surface-side, where the imaging surface 312 g of thelight-electricity converter 312 is provided.

The first part 4 a has a predetermined width in the direction orthogonalto the opposite surface from the imaging surface 312 g. The first part 4a has a plate shape and extends in parallel with the opposite surfacefrom the imaging surface 312 g. With the first part 4 a, the supporter 4can further disperse external loads on the casing 110 to prevent theradiation detector 3 from bending.

The second part 4 b is provided between the radiation detector 3 and therear part 21 such that no gap is present.

With the second part 4 b, the supporter 4 can further disperse externalloads on the casing 110 to prevent the radiation detector 3 frombending.

The supporter 4 also has a recess part 4 c as well as the first part 4 aand the second part 4 b on the surface facing the rear part 21 of thecasing 110.

The width, length, and depth of the recess part 4 c are set such thatthe electric circuit 51 can be housed.

The supporter 4 in this embodiment has multiple recess parts 4 c, or atleast as many recess parts 4 c as the number of electric circuits 51.

The supporter 4 in this embodiment is divided into multiple parts,namely includes the first supporter 41 and the second supporter 42.

(2-2-1. First Supporter)

A surface of the first supporter 41 abuts the radiation detector 3, andthe other surface of the first supporter 41 abuts the electric circuits51.

The first supporter 41 in this embodiment corresponds to theabove-described first part 4 a.

The surface of the first supporter 41 that abuts the radiation detector3 is flat in this embodiment, and is hereinafter called a supportingsurface 41 a.

The supporting surface 41 a in this embodiment is as large as the sensorpanel 31 or is one size larger than the sensor panel 31, so that thefirst supporter 41 can support the whole body of the sensor panel 31.

It is preferable that the width of the first supporter 41 (distancebetween the supporting surface 41 a and the opposite surface from thesupporting surface 41 a) be within 2 to 5 millimeters, so that the firstsupporter 41 has a space for housing the electric circuits 51 to bedescribed later while keeping rigidity.

The first supporter 41 in this embodiment includes two types of foamthat have different degrees of rigidity.

The first supporter 41 in this embodiment includes a first foam F1 and asecond foam F2.

The first foam F1 constitutes the surface layer part that is in contactwith the radiation detector 3 and/or the second supporter 42.

The second foam F2 constitutes the core part that is in contact with thesurface layer part in a direction in which the radiation detector 3 andthe second supporter 42 are arranged.

Accordingly, the expansion ratio of the first supporter 41 changes in adirection orthogonal to the supporting surface 41 a.

The expansion ratio of the first foam F1 is less than the expansionratio of the second foam F2. The degree of rigidity of the first foam F1is therefore higher than the degree of rigidity of the second foam F2.

The first supporter 41 described above has an improved degree ofrigidity against bending, and eventually improves the rigidity of thedetecting device 100 against bending.

Although the first supporter 41 in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5A has a uniformthickness (uniform width in the direction orthogonal to the supportingsurface 41 a), the first supporter 41 may have thicker edge portionsalong the supporting surface 41 a than the central portion. Such a firstsupporter 41 can further improve rigidity against loads and impacts.

Alternatively, the central portion of the first supporter 41 may bethicker than the edge portions.

(2-2-2. Second Supporter)

A surface of the second supporter 42 is in contact with the firstsupporter 41, and the other surface of the second supporter 42 is incontact with the rear part 21, as shown in FIG. 2 .

The first supporter 41 and the second supporter 42 in this embodimentare different members, as shown in FIG. 6 .

The second supporter 42 in this embodiment extends towards the rear part21 from part of the opposite surface of the first supporter 41 from thesupporting surface 41 a. The part of the opposite surface is not incontact with the electric circuits 51 to be described later.

Different from the first supporter 41, the second supporter 42 is formedso as to fill part of a space along the opposite surface of thelight-electricity converter 312 from the imaging surface 312 g. Morespecifically, the second supporter 42 fills part of a space along thesurface of the electromagnetic-field shielding layer 33 or the surfaceof the adhesive layer 6 provided at the opposite surface-side of thelight-electricity converter 312 from the imaging surface 312 g. Therecess parts 4 c are formed at the side of the rear part 21 in adirection along the supporting surface 41 a.

The second supporter 42 in this embodiment includes two types of foamthat have different degrees of rigidity, as with the first supporter 41.

The second supporter 42 in this embodiment includes the first foam F1and the second foam F2, as shown in FIG. 5A.

The first foam F1 of the second supporter 42 constitutes a surface layerpart that extends from the first supporter 41 towards the rear part 21.

The second foam F2 of the second supporter 42 constitutes a core partthat is in contact with the surface layer part in a direction along theinner surface of the rear part 21.

The expansion ratio of the second supporter 42 therefore changes in adirection along the supporting surface 41 a. The distribution of theexpansion ratio of the second supporter 42 is different from thedistribution of the expansion ratio of the first supporter 41.

The second supporter 42 as described above has an improved degree ofrigidity against loads coming from a direction orthogonal to thesupporting surface 41 a. Accordingly, the detecting device 100 can hasan improved degree of rigidity against loads coming from a directionorthogonal to the rear/front surface of the detecting device 100.

(2-2-3. Supporter and Other Members)

In this embodiment, the directions in which the first foam F1 and thesecond foam F2 are arranged are different between the first supporter 41and the second supporter 42. Accordingly, the first supporter 41 and thesecond supporter 42 are strong in different directions. In such a case,the rigidity against loads and impacts coming from the thicknessdirection (direction orthogonal to the supporting surface 41 a) may begreater than the rigidity against loads and impacts coming from thedirection along the supporting surface 41 a.

Further, only either the first supporter 41 or the second supporter 42may be formed of the first foam F1 and the second foam F2, and the othersupporter may be formed of only the first foam F1 or the second foam F2.

Further, both the first supporter 41 and the second supporter 42 may beformed of only the first foam F1 or the second foam F2.

Further, the first supporter 41 and the second supporter 42 of thesupporter 4 may be integrally formed of a uniform piece of foam, asshown in FIG. 5B.

The recess parts 4 c may be formed by cutting the parts where the recessparts 4 c are supposed to be or by partly pressing the supporter 4. Itis preferable, however, that the recess part 4 c be formed by pressingpart of the supporter 4.

The parts of the supporter 4 where the recess parts 4 c are formed arethinner than the other parts of the supporter 4 (second part 4 b). Morespecifically, the width of the parts where the recess parts 4 c areformed is less than the width of the other parts of the supporter 4 inthe direction orthogonal to the supporting surface 41 a. When the recessparts 4 c are formed by pressing part of the supporter 4, the surfacesof the recess parts 4 c have a lower expansion ratio and therefore havehigher rigidity. The recess parts 4 c of the supporter 4 can thereforebe as rigid as the second parts 4 b.

The supporter 4 may be formed by laminating multiple sheets of foam.

[2-3. Electrical Component]

The electrical component 5 includes the electric circuits 51 and awire(s) 52 shown in FIG. 2 and a heat diffusion sheet (not illustrated).

The electric circuits 51 in this embodiment are attached to thesupporter 4.

The radiation detector 3, the supporter 4, and the electric circuits 51are fixed to each other to constitute the internal module 120.

(2-3-1. Electric Circuit)

The electric circuits 51 are positioned on the opposite surface of thesupporter 4 from the supporting surface 41 a.

The electric circuits 51 are housed in the recess parts 4 c of thesupporter 4 between the second supporters 42.

The electric circuits 51 are separate from the rear part 21 of thecasing 110, so that the electric circuits 51 can avoid receivingexternal loads placed on the casing 110.

The electric circuits 51 include a scanning circuit, reading circuit,wireless communication circuit, control circuit, power-source circuit,battery, and connector.

The scanning circuit controls switch elements.

The reading circuit reads electric charges as signals.

The wireless communication circuit is for wirelessly communicating withother devices.

The control circuit controls the circuits to generate image data.

The power-source circuit is for applying voltage to semiconductorelements and supplying electricity for the above-described circuits.

The connector can accept a cable for communicating with other devices,as shown in FIG. 1 .

(2-3-2. Attaching Electric Circuit to Supporter)

The electric circuits 51 in this embodiment are attached to thesupporter 4 with the attaching members 7, as shown in FIG. 6 .

Each of the attaching members 7 in this embodiment includes a plate part71 that is in contact with the electric circuit 51 and a projecting part72, as shown in FIG. 7 .

The first supporter 41 of the supporter 4 has a fitting hole(s) 41 b thecontour of which is the same as the contour of the projecting part 72.

The projecting part 72 in this embodiment has radial parts 72 a thatspread radially from the center of the plate part 71 in the radialdirection of the plate part 71. Such a projecting part 72 has greaterfriction against the supporter 4 when being fitted to the supporter 4.As a result, the attaching member 7 is less likely to detach from thesupporter 4.

When the attaching member 7 is screwed on the electric circuit 51, theattaching member 7 receives torque. The radial parts 72 a protruding ina direction orthogonal to the torque can prevent the attaching member 7from turning as the screw turns.

Further, the radial parts 72 a reduce pressure on the supporter 4 byengaging with the supporter 4 on a predetermined area or greater. Largetorque can therefore be applied to the supporter 4 without damaging thefoam, which has a low degree of rigidity, in screwing the electriccircuit 51 on the supporter 4. The screw can therefore be prevented frombeing loose.

The structure of the attaching member 7 is not limited to the structuredescribed above.

For example, the attaching member 7 may include a first member 7 a and asecond member 7 b, as shown in FIG. 8A.

The first member 7 a of the attaching member 7 includes a tube part 73and a flange part 74.

The tube part 73 fits the fitting hole 41 b formed on the firstsupporter 41.

The flange part 74 abuts the supporting surface 41 a of the supporter 4.

The second member 7 b includes an internal-screw part 75 and a flangepart 76.

The second member 7 b may be made of the same foam as the supporter 4.The internal-screw part 75 fits the tube part 73.

In the central part of the internal-screw part 75, an insert screw 75 ais inserted. Alternatively, an internal screw may be directly formed onthe internal-screw part 75.

The flange part 76 abuts the supporting surface 41 a of the firstsupporter 41. The attaching member 7 sandwiches the supporter 4 betweenthe flange part 74 and the flange part 76.

When the second member 7 b is made of foam, the second member 7 b can beconnected to the supporter 4 with the heat generated in forming thesupporter 4.

The internal-screw part 75 accepts a screw B through the screw hole 51 aof the electric circuit 51, so that the electric circuit 51 is fixed tothe supporter 4.

A ground wire(s) of the electric circuit 51 is extended around the screwhole 51 a. The ground wire is fastened with the screw B along with theelectric circuit 51, thereby being connected to the ground terminal nearthe screw hole 51 a.

The attaching member 7 may include an internal-screw part 75A and aflange part 76A, as shown in FIG. 9 .

The flange part 76A of the attaching member 7 abuts the supportingsurface 41 a of the supporter 4.

The internal-screw part 75A fits the fitting hole 41 b formed on thefirst supporter 41.

The internal-screw part 75A has a wavy outer circumferential surface.

The distance d2 between the tops of the waves is equal to or greaterthan the diameter of a particle of the foam, so that the particles ofthe foam constituting the supporter 4 enter the spaces between the wavesof the internal-screw part 75A. The attaching member 7 is thereforeprevented from turning along with the screw B when receiving torque fromthe screw B being turned to fix the electric circuit 51.

Further, the attaching member 7 may include an internal-screw part 75Band a plate part 71A, as shown in FIG. 10A.

The internal-screw part 75B may be cylindrical as shown in FIG. 10 , ormay have a wavy lateral circumferential surface as shown in FIG. 9 .

The plate part 71A has a connecting surface 71 a the area of which issufficiently wider than the width of the internal-screw part 75.

The connecting surface 71 a of the plate part 71A is adhered to thefirst supporter 41, as shown in FIG. 10B.

Instead, a surface of the plate part 71 of the attaching member 7 may beconnected to the first supporter 41, the surface being opposite from thesurface on which the internal-screw part 75 b is provided, as shown inFIG. 10C.

Further, the attaching member 7 may be connected to the radiationshielding layer 32, as shown in FIG. 10D.

Further, the attaching member 7 may include an engaging part 77, asshown in FIG. 11 .

The engaging part 77 engages with the screw hole 51 a formed on theelectric circuit 51 by a snap-fit.

As the foam constituting the supporter 4 is not resistant to torque, theattaching member 7 may turn when being screwed on the electric circuit51. With the snap-fit, the supporter 4 can be easily engaged with andattached to the electric circuit 51.

The attaching member 7 may not be used in attaching the electric circuit51 to the supporter 4.

The electric circuit 51 may be directly fixed to the supporter 4 with aglue or an adhesive tape.

As the electric circuit 51 is not fixed together with the wires, theconnectors may be connected with wires of conductive tapes, for example.

(2-3-3. Wire)

The wires 52 are made of flexible printed circuits, for example. Thewires 52 connect the light-electricity converter 312 and the electriccircuits 51.

More specifically, the wires 52 connect (i) the terminals of thescanning lines (switch elements) and the scanning circuit, (ii) theterminals of the signal lines (semiconductor elements 312 b) and thereading circuit, and (iii) the terminals of the bias lines and thepower-source circuit of the light-electricity converter 312.

(2-3-4. Heat Diffusion Sheet)

The heat diffusion sheet is positioned so as to face, among elementsconstituting the electric circuit 51, elements that generate heat whenthe electric circuit 51 is in operation.

The positions to face the elements include the rear surfaces of theelectric circuits 51, the supporter 4, and the casing 110.

The heat diffusion sheet diffuses heat generated by the elements toprevent overheat of the elements and decrease in functions of theelements.

The heat diffusion sheet also prevents occurrence of heat spots inregions facing the elements.

The heat diffusion sheet may face the elements with a heat transferringmember inbetween.

Second Embodiment

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention is described. Inthe second embodiment, components that are the same as the components ofthe first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, anddescription thereof is omitted.

FIG. 12 is an A-A cross-sectional view of a radiation detecting device(hereinafter called detecting device 100A) in this embodiment.

The structure of the casing 110A of the detecting device 100A in thisembodiment is different from the structure of the casing 110 in thefirst embodiment.

[3. Lid Body]

A lid body 2A in this embodiment includes a rear part 21A and lids 22.

[3-1. Rear Part]

The rear part 21A has recess parts 21 a.

The recess parts 21 a are recessed towards the inside of the casing 110Afrom the outer surface of the rear part 21A.

The lateral surfaces of the recess parts 21 a have slits (notillustrated).

The width, length, and depth of each of the recess parts 21 a are setsuch that the electric circuit 51 can be housed.

In this embodiment, the rear part 21A has as many recess parts 21 a asthe number of electric circuits 51. The bottom surfaces of the recessparts 21 a (the surface closest to the front part 11) are flat in thisembodiment.

The parts between the recess parts 21 a of the rear part 21A constitutethe inner walls of the recess parts 21 a and function as ribs along therear surface of the rear part 21A. The ribs can prevent the casing 110from bending or twisting when the detecting device 100 receives loads.

[3-2. Lids]

The lids 22 are configured to fit the opening parts of the recess parts21 a.

When the lids 22 in this embodiment fit the recess parts 21 a, theelectric circuits 51 housed in the recess parts 21 a are covered, andthe outer surfaces of the lids 22 are flush with the outer surface ofthe rear part 21.

It is preferable that the material and thickness of the lids 22 be thesame as the material and thickness of the rear part 21A so that the lidbody 2A has a uniform degree of rigidity at the lids 22 and at the rearpart 21A.

To eliminate difference in rigidity between the lids 22 and the rearpart 21A, the lids 22 may be formed to be thinner than the rear part 21Afrom a material the degree of rigidity of which is higher than thedegree of rigidity of the rear part 21A, or may be formed to be thickerthan the rear part 21A from a material the degree of rigidity of whichis lower than the degree of rigidity of the rear part 21A.

Carbon fiber reinforced resin or metals, which have high conductivityand high degree of rigidity, can be used to release heat of the electriccircuits. Alternatively, resin, which have low degrees of rigidity andtransmit radio waves, can be used so that the detecting device 100A issuited for wireless communication.

The lids 22 may have gaskets at the edge portions. The gaskets preventdusts and liquids from entering into the recess parts 21 a to protectthe electric circuits 51.

The lids 22 in this embodiment are attachable to and removable from therear part 21A, so that the electric circuits 51 can be easily accessedin maintenance of the detecting device 100A.

[4. Supporter]

The supporter 4A supports the radiation detector 3 with the supportingsurface 41 a. The opposite surface of the supporter 4A from thesupporting surface 41 a is in contact with the inner surface of the rearpart 21A of the casing 110A.

The supporter 4A in this embodiment fills the whole space between theradiation detector 3 and the rear part 21A in the casing 110, except aspace beyond the radiation detector 3 in a direction along the imagingsurface 312 g and a space near the inner surface of the lateral part 12.The shape of the surface of the supporter 4A that is in contact with therear part 21A is therefore the same as the shape of the rear part 21A.

The supporter 4A and the rear part 21A may be formed integrally, or thesupporter 4A may be fixed to the rear part 21A.

Methods of fixing the supporter 4A to the rear part 21A include gluingwith a glue, adhesion with an adhesive tape, fitting a projectingpart(s) of the supporter 4A to a recess part(s) of the rear part 21A,and fitting a projecting part(s) of the rear part 21A to s recesspart(s) of the supporter 4A.

[5. Electronic Component] The electric circuits 51 in this embodimentare housed in the recess parts 21 a of the rear part 21A.

In this embodiment, the electric circuits 51 are fixed to the bottomsurfaces of the recess parts 21 a.

Methods of fixing the electric circuits 51 to the rear part 21A in thisembodiment include fixing with the attaching member 7, gluing with aglue, and adhesion with an adhesive tape.

The electric circuits 51 are separate from the lids 22 of the casing110A to avoid receiving external loads on the casing 110A.

The wires 52 in this embodiment are passed through the slits of therecess parts 21 a.

Advantageous Effects

The detecting device 100/100A has the sensor panel 31 that hasflexibility. The flexible sensor panel 31 is less likely to be damagedwhen the casing 110/100A receives loads or impacts.

The sensor panel 31 is also lighter than a known sensor panel becauseflexible materials are typically lighter than glass.

With the light and damage-resistant sensor panel 31, the supporter 4/4Athat supports the sensor panel 31 does not need a high degree ofrigidity as compared with a known supporter. Accordingly, the supporter4/4A can be made of a less amount of material than the known supporterand may not be made of high-rigidity material (e.g., metals or fiberreinforced resin) like the known supporter. This reduces the weight ofthe supporter 4/4A.

The supporter 4/4A made of foam is further lighter.

As a result, the detecting device 100/100A is light and can hold thesubstrate resistant against damages when being pressed or hit.

The sensor panel 31 (flexible material) has low heat conductivity. Whenthe sensor panel 31 receives a large amount of heat from the electriccircuits 51, the sensor panel 31 may not diffuse the heat and may havelocally hot spots. The sensor panel 31 having partly differenttemperatures may generate an uneven radiographic image.

The detecting device 100/100A, on the other hand, includes the supporter4 (first supporter 41) between the electric circuits 51 and the sensorpanel 31. The supporter 4/4A is made of foam, which typically has highheat-insulating properties. The supporter 4 placed between the electriccircuits 51 and the sensor panel 31 can therefore prevent the heatgenerated by the electric circuits 51 from being transmitted to thesensor panel 31.

The supporter 4/4A also has gaps (recess parts 4 c), and the heatgenerated by the electric circuits 51 escapes into the gaps.Accordingly, the supporter 4 can further prevent the heat from beingtransmitted to the sensor panel 31.

The sensor panel 31 (flexible material) may easily change its shape.When part of the sensor panel 31 changes its shape and comes closer tothe electric circuits 51, the sensor panel 31 may be affected by noisesgenerated by the electric circuits 51.

The detecting device 100/100A, on the other hand, supports the sensorpanel 31 with the supporter 4/4A made of foam. As the foam is light, thesupporter 4 can be made thick without greatly increasing its weight. Thethick supporter 4/4A can keep the distance between the sensor panel 31and the electric circuits 51 even when the sensor panel 31 changes itsshape. The supporter 4/4A thus can prevent the sensor panel 31 frombeing affected by the noises of the electric circuits 51.

The sensor panel 31 (flexible material) is susceptible to low-frequencyvibration. When the vibration arrives at the sensor panel 31, the sensorpanel 31 may increase the amplitude and may be more likely to generatenoises.

The detecting device 100/100A, on the other hand, supports the sensorpanel 31 with the supporter 4/4A made of foam. The foam absorbslow-frequency vibration. The supporter 4/4A can therefore prevent thesensor panel 31 from being affected by low-frequency vibration.

The effect of restraining vibration is greater as the filing rate of thesupporter 4/4A in the casing 110/110A is greater.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described andillustrated in detail, the disclosed embodiments are made for purposesof illustration and example only and not limitation. The scope of thepresent invention should be interpreted by terms of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A radiation detecting device, comprising: aradiation detector that includes a flexible substrate and asemiconductor element formed on an imaging surface of the substrate; asupporter that is formed of foam and that supports the radiationdetector; a casing that houses the radiation detector, the casingincluding a front part facing the imaging surface and a rear part facingthe front part with the radiation detector arranged therebetween; and anelectric circuit; wherein: the supporter is placed between the radiationdetector and the rear part, the supporter includes: a first supporterhaving (i) a front-facing surface that is in contact with a rear-facingsurface of the radiation detector and (ii) a rear-facing surface that isin contact with the electric circuit, and a second supporter comprisinga plurality of extending parts that extend from the rear-facing surfaceof the first supporter to the rear part, wherein each of the extendingparts has (i) a front-facing surface that is in contact with therear-facing surface of the first supporter at a portion of therear-facing surface where the electric circuit is not provided, (ii) alateral surface that faces the electric circuit, and (iii) a rear-facingsurface that is in contact with the rear part of the casing, and arecess part in which the electric circuit is arranged, wherein therecess part is defined by a portion of the rear-facing surface of thefirst supporter that is in contact with the electric circuit and thelateral surfaces of adjacent extending parts among the extending partsof the second supporter, the lateral surfaces of the adjacent extendingparts facing each other with the electric circuit arranged therebetween.2. The radiation detecting device according to claim 1, wherein part ofthe supporter is placed without a gap between the radiation detector andthe rear part.
 3. The radiation detecting device according to claim 1,wherein part of the supporter is placed without a gap along an oppositesurface of the radiation detector from the imaging surface.
 4. Theradiation detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the electriccircuit is attached to the supporter.
 5. The radiation detecting deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein the radiation detector, the supporter, andthe electric circuit are fixed to each other and constitute an internalmodule, and the internal module is fixed to at least one among an innersurface of the front part, an inner surface of the rear part, and aninner surface of a lateral part that connects the front part and therear part.
 6. The radiation detecting device according to claim 1,further comprising: a heat diffusion sheet positioned so as to face anelement among elements constituting the electric circuit, the elementgenerating heat when the electric circuit is active.
 7. The radiationdetecting device according to claim 1, wherein the casing is made ofcarbon fiber reinforced resin, glass fiber reinforced resin, lightmetal, or a light metal-containing alloy.
 8. The radiation detectingdevice according to claim 1, further comprising at least oneelectromagnetic-field shielding layer placed at at least one of animaging surface-side and an opposite surface-side from the imagingsurface-side.
 9. The radiation detecting device according to claim 1,wherein the supporter is formed of at least two types of foam that havedifferent degrees of rigidity.
 10. The radiation detecting deviceaccording to claim 9, wherein: the first supporter includes: a firstfoam constituting a surface layer part that is in contact with at leastone of the radiation detector and the second supporter, and a secondfoam constituting a core part that is in contact with the surface layerpart in a direction in which the radiation detector and the secondsupporter are arranged, and an expansion ratio of the first foam is lessthan an expansion ratio of the second foam.
 11. The radiation detectingdevice according to claim 9, wherein: the second supporter includes: afirst foam constituting a surface layer part that extends from the firstsupporter to the rear part, and a second foam constituting a core partthat is in contact with the surface layer part in a direction in whichan inner surface of the rear part extends, and an expansion ratio of thefirst foam is less than an expansion ratio of the second foam.
 12. Theradiation detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the supporteris integrally formed of one piece of foam.
 13. A radiation detectingdevice, comprising: a radiation detector that includes a flexiblesubstrate and a semiconductor element formed on an imaging surface ofthe substrate; a supporter that is formed of foam and that supports theradiation detector; a casing that houses the radiation detector, thecasing including a front part facing the imaging surface, a rear partfacing the front part with the radiation detector arranged therebetween,and a lid; and an electric circuit; wherein: the supporter is placedbetween the radiation detector and the rear part, the rear part has arecess part that is recessed towards an inside of the casing from anouter surface of the rear part, and the lid is configured to fit anopening part of the recess part; the electric circuit is housed in therecess part and enclosed therein by the lid covering the opening part,an outer surface of the lid being flush with an outer-most portion ofthe outer surface of the rear part, the supporter has a front-facingsurface that faces the radiation detector and an opposite surface thatis in contact with an inner surface of the rear part, the oppositesurface of the supporter has a same shape as the rear part such that thesupporter fills a whole space between the radiation detector and theinner surface of the rear part in a direction in which the radiationdetector and the supporter are arranged, and the rear part of the casingis interposed between the supporter and the electric circuit housed inthe recess part.
 14. The radiation detecting device according to claim13, further comprising: a heat diffusion sheet positioned so as to facean element among elements constituting the electric circuit, the elementgenerating heat when the electric circuit is active.
 15. The radiationdetecting device according to claim 13, wherein the casing is made ofcarbon fiber reinforced resin, glass fiber reinforced resin, lightmetal, or a light metal-containing alloy.
 16. The radiation detectingdevice according to claim 13, further comprising at least oneelectromagnetic-field shielding layer placed at at least one of animaging surface-side and an opposite surface-side from the imagingsurface-side.
 17. The radiation detecting device according to claim 13,wherein the supporter is formed of at least two types of foam that havedifferent degrees of rigidity.
 18. The radiation detecting deviceaccording to claim 17, wherein: the supporter includes: a firstsupporter having the front-facing surface that is in contact with theradiation detector and another surface that is in contact with the rearpart, said another surface constituting a first part of the oppositesurface of the supporter, and a second supporter having a surface thatis in contact with the first supporter and another surface that is incontact with the rear part, said another surface constituting a secondpart of the opposite surface of the supporter, and the first supporterincludes: a first foam constituting a surface layer part that is incontact with at least one of the radiation detector and the secondsupporter, and a second foam constituting a core part that is in contactwith the surface layer part in a direction in which the radiationdetector and the second supporter are arranged, and an expansion ratioof the first foam is less than an expansion ratio of the second foam.19. The radiation detecting device according to claim 17, wherein: thesupporter includes: a first supporter having the front-facing surfacethat is in contact with the radiation detector and another surface thatis in contact with the rear part, said another surface constituting afirst part of the opposite surface of the supporter, and a secondsupporter having a surface that is in contact with the first supporterand another surface that is in contact with the rear part, said anothersurface constituting a second part of the opposite surface of thesupporter, and the second supporter includes a first foam constituting asurface layer part that extends from the first supporter to the rearpart, and a second foam constituting a core part that is in contact withthe surface layer part in a direction in which an inner surface of therear part extends, and an expansion ratio of the first foam is less thanan expansion ratio of the second foam.
 20. The radiation detectingdevice according to claim 13, wherein the supporter is integrally formedof one piece of foam.